Malacañang says FOI bill now a priority measure

MANILA, Philippines - The freedom of information (FOI) bill is now a priority legislative measure of the Aquino administration, a member of Malacañang’s communications group said yesterday.         

“It is among the priority measures the Palace is endorsing to the LEDAC (Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council),” Secretary Herminio Coloma, who heads the Presidential Communications Operations Office, told reporters.         

He said he expects the council to endorse the bill to the Senate and the House of Representatives for passage into law.         

He said the version that the Palace wants to see enacted does not include a right of reply provision.    

Coloma could not say if President Aquino would certify the measure as urgent.          

The Senate has already passed its version of the bill, while the House of Representatives still has to open hearings on a consolidated measure.         

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has vowed to put the measure to a vote during the 16th Congress, which expires on June 30, 2016.         

Aquino’s perceived lack of support for the FOI bill is seen as the major reason for the measure’s failure to hurdle the previous 15th Congress.         

During the interview, Coloma pleaded for understanding for the President’s decision to stay in Zamboanga City while government troops are battling Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels.         

“The administration’s focus is to find a solution to the crisis. The President has to be on top of the situation,” he said.         

He said Aquino may not be in Manila but he is doing his job and performing his duties as President even while attending to the crisis in Zamboanga City.         

“We seek the kind understanding of our people and the media that he has to be there,” he added.